Breaking the silence: What ITV’s documentary reveals about Family Court and domestic abuse

30th July 2025

ITV’s latest documentary, Breaking the Silence: Kate’s Story, highlights the flaws in the family court system and the devastating impact it can have on survivors of domestic abuse.

The programme follows former MP Kate Kniveton, who bravely speaks out about a decade of abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, former Conservative MP Andrew Griffiths. Kniveston also speaks about her harrowing five-year legal battle in family court proceedings which, in many ways, prolonged the trauma she had already experienced.

Despite the courts eventually ruling that Griffiths had abused her, Kniveton reveals how the legal process itself retraumatised her and offered little in the way of timely protection or justice. 

 

Why this documentary matters

Kate’s experience isn’t unique. It mirrors the reality many women face:

  • Abuse doesn’t end at separation, it often continues through the family court system.
  • Allegations of domestic abuse are too often minimised, ignored, or misunderstood in courtrooms.
  • Abusers weaponise the courts, using legal proceedings to maintain control.
  • The system can be slow and inaccessible, especially for women without legal representation.

At SATEDA, we’ve seen a 96% increase in demand for our Support2Court service in the past year. Survivors are desperate for guidance, advocacy, and emotional support as they navigate one of the most difficult chapters of their lives.

 

SATEDA’s role in supporting survivors

Here in Kent, SATEDA provides support to women who are not eligible for legal aid, many of whom are already facing poverty, trauma, and isolation. Our Support2Court (S2C) service ensures survivors don’t face the courts alone. 

SATEDA Support2Court advisor said: 

“I have supported many women for 4 years through the family courts, especially when a protective order and child arrangements order are linked. The time taken between hearings, and delays by the courts or the other party, cause added stress. Unfortunately, due to court processes, this allows the perpetrator to use the court as a form of abuse and control.”
 – SATEDA Support2Court Advisor

 

We recently spoke with a couple of the women who used our Support2Court service. Here’s what they shared about how SATEDA helped them: 

“SATEDA knew the process, what to say, and not say, and their emotional support for me was exemplary.”
 – SATEDA S2C client

“SATEDA have been absolutely amazing – you guys ‘get it’ so much. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
 – SATEDA S2C client

 

Our response

“SATEDA is pleased to see these issues being addressed on a mainstream platform thanks to Kate Kniveton who bravely told her story. It is thanks to her that so many more women will be able to come forward and seek support. We want to see a future where the family court process is simplified for women who are forced to face their abuser in court.”

 

How can you be part of the solution? 

  • Watch ITV’s Breaking the Silence: Kate’s Story to understand what so many survivors face every day in our courts. 📺
  • If you or someone you know needs support with family court proceedings involving domestic abuse, reach out to us. You are not alone.
  • Follow us on social media @satedacharity to stay updated, hear more survivor stories, and support our mission. 💌

 

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